EXCHANGE STUDENT PROGRAM

Our club often has one outbound exchange student at the same time as we’re hosting an inbound exchange student. It goes without saying that this program is a wonderful opportunity for young people. Living in 3 to 4 different homes, most often homes of our club members, the families grow attached to these young people, as though they were their own children. Often members and their families visit the exchange students once they are back in their home country. Inbound students regard Port Orchard as their second home, and it's common for them to come back to visit.

"I joined Port Orchard Rotary in 1978 and remained a member until moving to Bellevue, Wash. in 2001. I have many memories but my best memory was when Pete Holt introduced Lore and I to the Student Exchange Program, and we had two great experiences. This is one of Rotary’s finest programs and I urge everyone to get involved.

Our first student was Tanja Paul from Germany, a tall, attractive and intelligent young lady. Our three months time was quick, but the second host family (Denny Christman) was only a few blocks away, so we were in constant touch with Tanja. Because of Tanya and her family, we made a trip to Germany where the Paul Family hosted us for two weeks.

Our second exchange student was Aki Ota from the Sendai Peninsula in Japan. It was a great experience learning about the customs, food and dress. She enjoyed the experience so much that she returned to Kitsap County and is currently living in Hawaii with her son, Adam and her husband, Farmon. We are still in contact with Aki and her family and we feel as though we have another Grandchild in Adam. The relationships we developed are what the exchange program is all about.

I had other great experiences while in Rotary in all my years, but this always stood out as my most fulfilling." - Marvin Coe / Past President

If you are interested in being a Rotary exchange student, contact us!